The nominations for the 48 Senate seats have stirred up unexpected dynamics within political parties, with surprising choices and notable exclusions marking the upcoming upper house elections scheduled for April 2. The submission of nomination papers by prominent figures like former caretaker prime minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar, former Punjab caretaker chief minister Mohsin Naqvi, Finance Minister Aurangzeb Khan, Ahad Cheema, and Mustafa Ramday, son of former chief justice Khalilur Rehman Ramday, has caused a stir both publicly and within their respective parties.
A sense of unease and surprise has rippled through the ruling PML-N, as the decision to support “outsiders” over loyalists has sparked internal discontent. The party’s departure from its traditional candidate selection process, opting for behind-the-scenes arrangements, has left key figures like Khawaja Saad Rafique, Rana Sanaullah, Khurram Dastgir, and Javed Latif feeling sidelined.
In Punjab, a total of 22 candidates from various parties have filed their nominations for the Senate elections, with PML-N backing candidates like Naqvi, Aurangzeb, and Cheema. Interestingly, these candidates, although supported by PML-N and its allies, have chosen not to align with the Sharif family’s party, reflecting a shift in party dynamics and power plays.
The Senate elections in Balochistan have seen a significant number of nominations, with 36 candidates, including notable figures like ex-PM Kakar and Aimal Wali Khan, vying for the 11 available seats. The diverse pool of candidates, including former senators and new entrants, sets the stage for a competitive electoral process in the province.